Historically Thinking

Stephen Aron, Professor Emeritus at UCLA and CEO of the Autry Museum, explores the bridging of academic and public history, focusing on the narratives of frontiers and borderlands. Barry Strauss, a distinguished scholar at Cornell, discusses the complexities of interpreting ancient history and the interplay of war, leadership, and historiography. They emphasize the importance of intellectual humility and navigating the challenges of presenting historical narratives that engage wider audiences, all while advocating for questioning rather than lecturing in museum settings.

This discussion features Eric Adler, a Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland, who delves into the life and works of the Roman historian Tacitus. They examine Tacitus's unique style, his critical perspectives on emperors, and the complexity of his narratives, particularly in 'Agricola.' The conversation highlights themes of resistance and power dynamics within the Roman Empire, alongside Tacitus's nuanced views on culture and assimilation, drawing parallels with modern issues of authoritarianism. Adler's insights shed light on why Tacitus remains a pivotal figure in historiography.

Join John Tolan, a history professor emeritus at the University of Nantes and author of 'Islam: A New History,' as he unpacks the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of Islam. He challenges the notion of a singular belief system, showcasing vibrant debates among legalists, mystics, and feminists. Tolan explores the origins of Islam, the complexities of historical coexistence, and the cultural richness fostered during the rise of various caliphates. His insights weave together a tapestry of Islamic history that highlights both unity and diversity.

Richard Reid, a Professor of African History at the University of Oxford, delves into the vibrant history leading up to the colonial scramble for Africa. He discusses the transformative political and economic changes in 19th-century Tanzania, emphasizing a key commercial highway. Reid highlights the entrepreneurial legacy of figures like Tipu Tip, the complex interplay of local leaders and external forces, and the 'Great Convergence' of Africa and Europe. His insights challenge traditional narratives, revealing the richness of African history.

Join James Crossland, a Professor of International History and co-director at Liverpool John Moores University, as he unpacks the thrilling life of Robert Bruce Lockhart—a diplomat, conspirator, and propagandist. Discover Lockhart's audacious escapades during the Bolshevik Revolution and how he navigated complex political landscapes. From his extravagant journalism to failed rubber plantations, Crossland reveals Lockhart's captivating duality and his role in wartime propaganda. Dive into the machinations of history with stories that read like fiction!

Albert Einstein died in 1955, the most influential scientist of the 20th century. Yet even in the 21st-century his intellectual presence remains – seven of the noble prizes awarded since 2000 stemmed directly from the work which he did in 1905 and 1915. More even than Isaac Newton’s bewigged and apple-pelted image, Einstein’s pervades popular culture, from that photo with his tongue sticking out to coffee mugs to intellectual exercises for your toddler. He has become so ubiquitous that perhaps we have come to forget that he was a real person, whose life is interconnected with the most important political and intellectual movements of his life, from Zionism to Nazism, from pacifism to nuclear weapons. In their beautifully concise new  biography, Free Creations of the Human Mind: The World of Albert Einstein, Michael Gordin and Diana Kormos Buchwald present an Einstein who is embedded in his historical context, and who has a range of interests, passions, and ideas that are perhaps generally unappreciated. In the process they disentangle controversies, destroy myths, and provide a nuanced account of a remarkable life in turbulent times. Michael D. Gordin is Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Princeton University, where he also serves as Dean of the College. Diana Kormos Buchwald, who could not be with us for the recording,  is General Editor and director of the Albert Einstein Papers.

Join Alex Mikaberidze, a Professor of History known for his expertise in the Napoleonic Wars, and Scott Eric Nelson, an award-winning author specializing in 19th-century history, as they delve into the importance of intellectual humility among historians. They discuss the impact of historical memory shaped by personal experiences and the interconnectedness of historical figures like Napoleon. Additionally, they unravel the myth of John Henry, revealing his true significance in American labor history, while highlighting the joys of rediscovering authentic narratives.

David Staley, an associate professor at The Ohio State University, dives into the future in this engaging discussion. He presents "twenty histories of the future" from his book, exploring predictions about AI, democracy, and education. Staley emphasizes the importance of historical context for anticipating future events and reflects on his past pandemic predictions. The conversation also touches on social mood's impact on governance, innovative suburban energy solutions, and even the intriguing concept of city secessionism. Prepare to envision some thought-provoking futures!

Thomas Albert Howard, a professor of humanities and history at Valparaiso University, discusses his new book, which challenges the assumption that secularism is inherently less violent than religion. He argues that various forms of secularism, especially during tumultuous periods like the French Revolution, have instigated significant violence. Howard also delves into the conflicts between Marxism and religious practices in Russia, the implications of France's 1905 secular laws, and the transformative effects of Kemalism on Turkey's identity.

In 1845 a water mold named Phytophthora Infestans which afflicts potato and tomato plants began to spread across Europe, killing potatoes from Sweden to Spain. “The potato blight caused crisis everywhere it appeared in Europe,” writes my guest Padraic X. Scanlan; “in Ireland, it caused an apocalypse.” In 1845, a third of the United Kingdom’s population lived in Ireland; an 1841 census had counted a population of 8.2 million. In the next six years, 1 million of them would die from famine related causes; another 1.5 million had emigrated. The 1851 census totaled the Irish population at 6.5 million, and the population of Ireland would continue to decline for another 100 years. “Although the labouring poor ate potatoes throughout northern and western Europe, only Ireland experienced demographic collapse during and after the blight pandemic.” And the consequences of the famine were more than demographic. It frayed or destroyed communal and familial relationships, and must have led to long-lasting psychological trauma. Padraic X. Scanlan is an associate professor at the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources and the Centre for Diaspora & Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto. The author of two previous books, his latest is Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine, and it is the subject of our conversation today.